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Somerville Kiwanis Club of Somerville Delivers Over 200 Backpacks Filled with School Supplies For Distribution to High School Students

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For the seventh year, members of the Kiwanis Club of Somerville delivered over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies for distribution to high school students who are most in need of assistance. The students who will receive these backpacks will be identified by the staff at Somerville High School and the administrators at Prospect Hill Academy. Continue reading Somerville Kiwanis Club of Somerville Delivers Over 200 Backpacks Filled with School Supplies For Distribution to High School Students →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts is the best state to live in, due in large part to its strong health care system and high-quality education. Massachusetts has the lowest premature death rate in the country and the lowest share of adults in fair or poor health. It also has the highest share of residents with health insurance coverage, at 97.3 percent. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

MATERNAL HEALTH (H 4999)

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By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a maternal health bill that would require certified professional midwives and lactation consultants to be licensed; encourage the creation of more freestanding birth centers; establish a grant program to address maternal mental health and substance use disorder; expand the statewide universal postpartum home visiting program; and mandate that insurers provide coverage for postpartum depression and major depressive disorder screenings for perinatal individuals. Continue reading MATERNAL HEALTH (H 4999) →

Mayor Ballantyne Announces New Union Agreement Increasing Pay & Benefits for Somerville Emergency Telecommunicators/Police Dispatchers

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SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, on behalf of the City of Somerville, has reached a new agreement with the union representing its Emergency Telecommunicators (Police Dispatchers) for a new contract, providing improved wages and benefits for a vital group of the City’s public safety workforce. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Announces New Union Agreement Increasing Pay & Benefits for Somerville Emergency Telecommunicators/Police Dispatchers →

Medford: God Bless the USA and READ baby READ and Watch SOME VARIED NEWS, BABY WATCH!!

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By Sharon Deyeso

RUNNING ROUND TOWN I start on a part up note and hit many unrepaired roads…the State paid (actually you and me) for Mystic Ave, so where is our road repair, DPW tax money? I always look at a big picture to make a good reason….BUT besides broken branches, blocked drain spots, potholes, I am wanting a topical clean, plain appearance. Take down the dead and poor, newly dead saplings! Continue reading Medford: God Bless the USA and READ baby READ and Watch SOME VARIED NEWS, BABY WATCH!! →

God Bless the USA and READ baby READ and Watch SOME VARIED NEWS, BABY WATCH!

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RUNNING ROUND TOWN I start on a part up note and hit many unrepaired roads…the State paid (actually you and me) for Mystic Ave, so where is our road repair, DPW tax money? I always look at a big picture to make a good reason….BUT besides broken branches, blocked drain spots, potholes, Continue reading God Bless the USA and READ baby READ and Watch SOME VARIED NEWS, BABY WATCH! →

Letter to the Editor:Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone Accused Of Mocking Disabled County Employee

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Another horrible anecdote from my source about how nefarious and callous Maria Curtatone and her minions are at the Registry will show just how deplorable they are, involves a person, who is retired now, who has a handicap and was mocked, harassed and made fun of on a daily basis.
Continue reading Letter to the Editor:Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone Accused Of Mocking Disabled County Employee →

Somerville Names Boston’s Shumeane Benford as New Police Chief

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Benford to depart dual roles as Boston Housing Authority Police Chief and Boston Chief of Emergency Management to lead Somerville PD

SOMERVILLE—Mayor Katjana Ballantyne announced today the selection of Boston’s Shumeane Benford as the City of Somerville’s new police chief. After a thorough community-driven, nationwide search, Benford will assume leadership of the Somerville Police Department on September 16. The 30-year law enforcement veteran will be departing current dual roles as Boston Housing Authority Police Chief as well as Boston Chief of Emergency Management.
Continue reading Somerville Names Boston’s Shumeane Benford as New Police Chief →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Maria Curtatone and Top Staff Accused of Dereliction of Duty at Southern Middlesex County Registry of Deeds

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Dear Editor,

No lawyers here today yet on the floor…..never here before 9am…..and the Registry starts work at 8am…..dereliction of duty…..top assistant Carmel xxxxx is getting paid more or less $100,000 to do union labor…..not her job…..didn’t get hired for that. Does not care about union labor.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Maria Curtatone and Top Staff Accused of Dereliction of Duty at Southern Middlesex County Registry of Deeds →

Somerville/Medford Remembering Mrs. Maria M. Carreiro Lui

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Mrs. Maria M. Carreiro Luis
Category: Obituaries Published: August 14, 2024
Maria Carreiro Luis Maria Margarida Carreiro Luis “Maggie” passed away on August 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 69.
She was the loving mother of Lawrence (Larry) Carreiro and his wife Karen of Woburn. Devoted wife of Mario Luis. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mrs. Maria M. Carreiro Lui →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“Survivors of sexual assault already have so many obstacles to overcome when bringing their experiences forward. We have tools to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors but unaddressed delays minimize the injustice experienced by survivors and place others at risk for potential assaults. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security needs to take these matters seriously, and ensure these kits are being tracked correctly, processing kits on time and in accordance with the law.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

DOMESTIC ASSAULT AND JOBS (S 2934)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would extend employment protection for workers employed through a temporary hiring agency. These workers, if they are victims of domestic assault, could not have their contract terminated if they miss a reasonable amount of time for certain appointments. Covered appointments include doctor’s appointments, hospital stays and court dates. This would mirror the protections currently granted to bona fide employees of a company.
Continue reading DOMESTIC ASSAULT AND JOBS (S 2934) →

PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS (S 2902)

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By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a measure that would require a manufacturer or person that sells Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment to any person or government agency, to provide, beginning January 1, 2025, written notice to the buyer, at the time of sale, if the equipment contains toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance chemicals, known as PFAS. The seller would also have to provide the reason the chemicals were added to the equipment. Beginning on January 1, 2027, the bill prohibits any person from manufacturing, knowingly selling or distributing any equipment containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals.
Continue reading PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS (S 2902) →

PARENTAGE EQUALITY (S 2906)

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By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law legislation changing how a family is defined in state law.

Supporters said the new law would ensure legal parentage equality by protecting LGBTQ+ families, and children born through surrogacy and assisted reproduction, in forming the legal bond of a parent-child relationship. They said the measure would dismantle archaic legal barriers to basic parenting responsibilities for modern families, opening the door to legally attend and make decisions during medical appointments, manage a child’s finances, participate in educational decisions and provide authorizations for a child’s travel. Continue reading PARENTAGE EQUALITY (S 2906) →

DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (S 2887)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved and Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would provide police officers who have suffered a violent act injury, 100 percent regular compensation and pension benefits, until they reach the age of mandatory retirement. Violent act injury is defined as “a serious and permanent personal bodily injury sustained as a direct and proximate result of a violent attack upon a person by means of a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, knife, automobile, explosive device or other dangerous weapon.” Continue reading DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (S 2887) →

$5 MILLION FOR FOOD SECURITY (H 4800)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 155-2, overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of $5 million (reducing funding from $10 million to $5 million) for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program which was created to ensure that individuals and families have access to food, especially food that is produced locally, and equitable access to food. The program also seeks to ensure that farmers, fisherman and other local food producers are better connected to a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate future food supply and distribution disruption.
Continue reading $5 MILLION FOR FOOD SECURITY (H 4800) →

$800,000 FOR DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD PROGRAMS (H 4800)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 155-2, overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of $800,000 (reducing funding from $12.7 million to $11.9 million) for the Department of Agriculture. The veto includes cuts of $100,000 from the Massachusetts Food Trust Program; another $100,000 from the Buy Local effort; and the entire $250,000 for local food policy councils.

The Senate did not act on the veto so the veto stands and the $800,000 was eliminated.
Continue reading $800,000 FOR DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD PROGRAMS (H 4800) →

Somerville Voting Information for State of Massachusetts Primary Elections

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SOMERVILLE – On Tuesday, September 3, 2024 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will hold its State Primary Elections.

The offices on the ballot for this election include:
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representative
Governor’s Councillor
State Senator
State Representative
Register of Deeds
Clerk of Courts Continue reading Somerville Voting Information for State of Massachusetts Primary Elections →

A letter to Belmont Residents from Jane Schapiro Regarding William Tauro For Registrar of Deeds

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William (Billy) Tauro is an individual of compassion, generosity, ethics and respect.

Billy’s parents came from Italy and his father served in the military here. As was true of my Uncle Larry (Navy), Billy’s father was in the D Day Invasion.

In Somerville, Massachusetts, all the Veterans statues and plaques were removed and put in storage. As one the those receiving this email bcc said, this is disgraceful. Continue reading A letter to Belmont Residents from Jane Schapiro Regarding William Tauro For Registrar of Deeds →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Why Maria Curtatone Shouldn’t Be in Office at South Middlesex Registry of Deeds

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Also illegal…..Maria going around here and talking to employees about the election……intimidation……saying how If Billy Tauro got in it would be a disaster and she’s much better and you don’t know anything about this job…..constantly doing this in front of everyone….people are very scared…..Carmel and Michelle help push the effort along with Maria’s informants….. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Why Maria Curtatone Shouldn’t Be in Office at South Middlesex Registry of Deeds →

Annual Winter Hill Yacht Club WHYC VETERANS CRUISE Somerville

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Please Come Join Us For Our Complimentary Annual Salute to Our Veterans in Somerville 🇺🇸 This is a tradition that we’ve been doing for many years for our veterans!

Hello all military veterans of all branches of service from any city or town! Please come and join us on our Annual Winter Hill Yacht Club WHYC VETERANS CRUISE to salute our veterans on Sunday September 8th for a day of fun on the water!
Continue reading Annual Winter Hill Yacht Club WHYC VETERANS CRUISE Somerville →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Illegal Activity at South Middlesex County Registry of Deeds Orchestrated By Maria Curtatone

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Dear Billy,

I was told by my registry co-workers and also friends, attorneys and title examiners to reach out to you because you are an expertise in this business straightening people like her out.

Our current Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone is committing inappropriate illegal behavior at the registry by meetings with her staff Carmel, Michelle(first assistant) and other employees about advertising and social media for her campaign at the registry while they are on the clock. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Illegal Activity at South Middlesex County Registry of Deeds Orchestrated By Maria Curtatone →

RHINO ROOFING & MASONRY (857)397-5992 1(800)519-1249

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Call for FREE Project Evaluation
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New Roofs, Roof Repair, Steps & Stairs, Basements, Tuckpointing, Driveway Repair, Paver Driveways, Patio & Walkway, Retaining Walls, Foundation Repair, Chimney Repair / Rebuild, Waterproofing, Fencing, Pressure Wash Cleaning, Roof Cleaning, Siding, Painting, Carpentry, Window Repairs / Replacement Continue reading RHINO ROOFING & MASONRY (857)397-5992 1(800)519-1249 →

DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (H 2536)

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By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would provide police officers who have suffered a violent act injury, 100 percent regular compensation and pension benefits, until they reach the age of mandatory retirement. Violent act injury is defined as “a serious and permanent personal bodily injury sustained as a direct and proximate result of a violent attack upon a person by means of a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, knife, automobile, explosive device or other dangerous weapon.”
Continue reading DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (H 2536) →

WAGE TRANSPARENCY (H 4890)

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By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill, named the Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, in honor of the first woman to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary. The measure would require employers with 25 or more employees to disclose a salary range when posting a job position. The measure also would require employers with 100 or more employees to file annual employment data reports, including information on employee demographics and salaries, with the state.
Continue reading WAGE TRANSPARENCY (H 4890) →

DOG KENNEL SAFETY – OLLIE’S LAW (S 2929)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a bill that would allow the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to establish rules and regulations for dog kennels in the Bay State, to ensure animal welfare, protect consumers and keep kennel staff safe. A person who violates the regulations would be fined $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The House has already approved a different version of the measure and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration.
Continue reading DOG KENNEL SAFETY – OLLIE’S LAW (S 2929) →

PARENTAGE EQUALITY (S 2906)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a bill that supporters say would ensure legal parentage equality by protecting LGBTQ+ families, and children born through surrogacy and assisted reproduction, in forming the legal bond of a parent-child relationship. They said the measure would dismantle archaic legal barriers to basic parenting responsibilities for modern families, opening the door to legally attend and make decisions during medical appointments, manage a child’s finances, participate in educational decisions and provide authorizations for a child’s travel. Continue reading PARENTAGE EQUALITY (S 2906) →

$250,000 FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY (H 4800)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 154-4, overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of the entire $250,000 for a grant program to school districts to support the implementation of financial literacy courses and standards for students in kindergarten to grade 12, including training and developing programs to assist teachers in incorporating appropriate financial literacy concepts into classroom curriculum. The Senate did not act on the veto.
Continue reading $250,000 FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY (H 4800) →

CREATE COMMISSION TO STUDY MISREPRESENTATION OF A SERVICE ANIMAL (H 4917)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a special commission to review current federal, state and local laws and procedures governing the use and misuse of service animals by individuals with disabilities in the Bay State. The commission would recommend the possible introduction of legislation prohibiting and civilly penalizing service animal fraud and determining the feasibility of certification, registration or licensing of service animals.
Continue reading CREATE COMMISSION TO STUDY MISREPRESENTATION OF A SERVICE ANIMAL (H 4917) →

Somerville/Medford Remembering Marthinus “Inus” Daneel

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Obituary

Inus Daneel, African Theologian

Marthinus “Inus” Louis Daneel of Somerville, MA, and Polokwane, South Africa, died on July 29, 2024, at age 87, after a long illness. Daneel was a noted eco-theologian, ecumenist, author of fourteen published scholarly volumes on African Christianity and traditional religion, and founder of ecumenical movements in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marthinus “Inus” Daneel →

Somerville/Medford Remembering Kevin E. Van Stry, Sr.

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Obituary
Van Stry, Kevin E. – Of Saugus, formerly of Medford, passed away at his home on Monday, July 29, 2024. He was 73 years young.

Born and raised in Cambridge, he was the son of the late John and Katherine (Conway) Van Stry.

Kevin was a man of many passions and an unwavering commitment to the joy of others. His love for the water was evident in his sailing adventures, where he found solace and exhilaration in the changing landscapes around him. Whether navigating the waves or engaging in a game of pool, Kevin approached each moment with a competitive spirit and a twinkle in his eye. Those who played pool with him knew they had to bring their best game, as he was famously undefeatable.

In his quieter moments, Kevin’s insatiable curiosity led him to delve into the mechanics of various products, always eager to understand how things worked and operated. This thirst for knowledge was matched only by his profound desire to help others. Kevin found true fulfillment in assisting those around him, and his efforts were always accompanied by a heartfelt smile that brightened the lives of many.

Beloved husband of the late Noreen (Quinn) Van Stry. Devoted father of Erik Van Stry, Katherine Van Stry, and the late Kevin Van Stry Jr and Carol Van Stry and Daniel Van Stry of Medford. Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Jacqueline and Colin Van Stry, Jacob and Cadence Van Stry. Loving brother of Richard Van Stry, Kathryn Hahan and her husband Terry and the late Carol Costa, Daniel Van Stry, Diane Kelley, Janet Van Stry and Jackie Van Stry. Also survived by the mother of his two youngest children Hien Troug, and many loving nieces, nephews friends and cousins.

A funeral procession will be held from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Wednesday, August 7th at 9:00AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church 512 High St., Medford at 10:00AM.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, August 6th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kevin E. Van Stry, Sr. →

William “Billy” Tauro For Registrar of Deeds Explains Election Confusion

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Just to Clear Up Some Election Confusion

If you notice on your early primary election ballots, my name does not appear. Yes, please you can write me in, but I will be on the General Election ballot on November 5th. The reason why I am not on the Democratic nor Republican primary ballot is because I’m not a Democrat nor a Republican, I’m an Independent, I vote for the person, not the party and with everyone’s help, yes we will win the election! I thank you for thinking of me. Very much appreciated,
Billy

PS:If you would like to write William Billy Tauro 333 Great River Rd. Somerville in the space provided that also will be very much appreciated. Thank you. 🙏

Somerville/Medford Remembering Juanita Lillian Meranda

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Obituary

Juanita Lillian Meranda (Nita) was born in Boston, MA on November 14, 1943. She was the only child born to the late Raymond Meranda and the late Berniece (Williams) Meranda. She attended school in Boston graduating from Jeremiah E Burke High School for Girls. After high school she attended Boston State College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Juanita Lillian Meranda →

How Could Anyone In Their Right Mind Support Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone?

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Take a couple of minutes and listen to this recorded interview from a close family member of my opponent, the current Registrar of Deeds Maria Curtatone on how she is accused of physically assaulting her elderly mother. How anyone could support, endorse or donate to her is beyond my imagination. Continue reading How Could Anyone In Their Right Mind Support Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone? →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“Expanding our forest canopy is one piece of the larger puzzle to combatting climate change in Massachusetts. With continuous heat waves leading to higher energy bills and greater greenhouse gas emissions, our Greening the Gateway Cities Program leverages our state resources and engages residents to help plant trees and enhance public health. Reducing the urban heat island effect is a top priority, and our non-profit partnerships … will help cool our neighborhoods, towns and cities.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

DNA AND STATUTE OR LIMITATIONS (H 4836)

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By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would amend the law to allow prosecutors to bring rape charges at any time if the perpetrator is identified through DNA evidence collected from a victim. Currently, the 15-year statute of limitations is a barrier to prosecution of serial offenders, as more than 15 years may elapse before a perpetrator is identified through DNA evidence. Continue reading DNA AND STATUTE OR LIMITATIONS (H 4836) →

HEALEY SIGNS FIREARMS CHANGES (H 4885)

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By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill that would change some of the state’s gun laws.

Provisions include cracking down on untraceable “ghost guns;” banning firearms in additional public spaces like schools, polling places and government buildings; expanding the 2018 “red flag” law that allows school administrators and licensed health care providers to petition a court to temporarily take firearms away from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others; closing loopholes that allow the modification of legal firearms into illegal automatic weapons; and providing a legacy clause so all firearms legally owned and registered in Massachusetts as of the effective date of the bill will continue to be legal and may be bought and sold within the state. Continue reading HEALEY SIGNS FIREARMS CHANGES (H 4885) →

LONG TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING (S 2889)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved a bill making changes to the state’s long term care and assisted living industry which supporters said will take “a powerful step towards delivering the high quality and safe care that Massachusetts seniors deserve by substantially strengthening oversight and enforcement while also requiring facilities to create outbreak plans should a health issue arise.”
Continue reading LONG TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING (S 2889) →

PHARMACEUTICAL ACCESS, COSTS AND TRANSPARENCY (H 4910)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved a bill that supporters say would make major changes and reforms to the state’s pharmaceutical system by lowering the cost of drugs at the pharmacy counter and improving oversight of the pharmaceutical industry. They said the measure protects patients and independent pharmacists by regulating the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry; banning many of the industry’s worst business practices; and reducing or eliminating co-pays for certain chronic conditions.
Continue reading PHARMACEUTICAL ACCESS, COSTS AND TRANSPARENCY (H 4910) →

BAN ELEPHANTS AND OTHER ANIMALS (H 4915)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that effective January 1, 2025, would ban elephants, bears, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and other wild animals from being used in traveling circuses and other traveling shows in Massachusetts where they would be used to perform tricks, give rides or otherwise participate as an accompaniment for the entertainment of a live audience. Continue reading BAN ELEPHANTS AND OTHER ANIMALS (H 4915) →

News ’bout Town….Pick of the Week..Medford

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I truly saw Man’s second best friend this week, Kolin Burgoyne, owner of Colleen’s fine, popular Ice Cream, Medford SQ!! I had eye surgery this week and while telling him I could not lift, he added he would like to lift the heavy mulch for me on the isle dedicated to my family…bags of 40 lbs! Nice moment in a busy store and home schedule…I began adorning this isle four years ago
Continue reading News ’bout Town….Pick of the Week..Medford →

Registrar Maria Curtatone and Son In Somerville District Court Again

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By News Staff

Just shy of three years ago coming up in a few days, Maria Curtatone, her daughter and their friends were accused of destruction of property for destroying Billy Tauro political campaign signs and defacing Somerville/Medford News Weekly newspaper boxes causing a criminal complaint taken out against Curtatone’s daughter. The incident was even caught on videotape surveillance from local shops in the perimeter area. Continue reading Registrar Maria Curtatone and Son In Somerville District Court Again →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville’s Dumping Ground for Methadone Packs, Condoms etc…

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Ok
Board of Health director Karin Carroll gives out free needles. And also if they bring back 50 needles she gives them 10bucks. Who’s money city?
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville’s Dumping Ground for Methadone Packs, Condoms etc… →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Street

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By Bob Katzen

“Ensuring every student can read is fundamental to all other education goals and right now we are failing miserably. Progress on literacy cannot wait another day. Failure to act is costing our students and threatening their futures.”
— Ed Lambert, executive director of Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, urging legislators to pass legislation that would expand the use of science-based literacy instruction to address the state’s early literacy crisis. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Street →

BILLS STUCK IN COMMITTEE

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By Bob Katzen

These three bills were all given initial approval by the House in April but have not moved since. They are stuck in the Bills in Third Reading Committee.

EXPAND PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS FOR POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS (H 2890) – Would expand the current law which provides a property tax abatement to the surviving spouses and minor children of police officers and firefighters “killed in the line of duty.” The bill provides that the abatement also go to the families of officers who “died in the line of duty.”
Continue reading BILLS STUCK IN COMMITTEE →

PET CEMETERIES (H 4206)

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By Bob Katzen

The House has shipped off to a study committee a measure that would require the owner of any property used or to be used for a pet cemetery to file in the Registry of Deeds a dedication restricting the property to be used only for the operation of a pet cemetery. Bills that are sent to a study committee bills are rarely actually studied and are essentially defeated. It is a way to kill a proposal without holding a vote on the bill itself.
Continue reading PET CEMETERIES (H 4206) →

APPROVE FIREARMS CHANGES (H 4885)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 123-33, Senate 35-5, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a bill that would change some of the state’s gun laws.

Provisions include cracking down on untraceable “ghost guns;” banning firearms in additional public spaces like schools, polling places and government buildings; expanding the 2018 “red flag” law that allows school administrators and licensed health care providers to petition a court to temporarily take firearms away from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others; closing loopholes that allow the modification of legal firearms into illegal automatic weapons; and providing a legacy clause so all firearms legally owned and registered in Massachusetts as of the effective date of the bill will continue to be legal and may be bought and sold within the state.
Continue reading APPROVE FIREARMS CHANGES (H 4885) →

Peter Noone at the City Winery Boston, Sunday July 28, 2024 3 pm and 7 pm

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By Joe Viglione

In a summer with the Yardbirds, The Rolling Stones and Herman’s Hermits visiting Boston, one would think it is 1964 all over again. In a Zoom conversation July 9th 2024 with the lead singer of the Herman’s Hermits, Peter Noone noted that all three of those groups did play together in the early 1960s.
Continue reading Peter Noone at the City Winery Boston, Sunday July 28, 2024 3 pm and 7 pm →

Join Somerville’s Annual National Night Out Event to Enjoy Free Family-Friendly Activities, Music, Food, and More

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Browse Over 40 Local Vendors, Hop on a Bounce House, or Cool Down on a Water Slide on Tuesday August 6, starting at 5 p.m.

SOMERVILLE–Community members looking for a night out this summer can look no further than the City of Somerville’s annual National Night Out Event hosted by the Somerville Police Department and the Somerville Office of Parks & Recreation.
Continue reading Join Somerville’s Annual National Night Out Event to Enjoy Free Family-Friendly Activities, Music, Food, and More →

Community Notice: Vote by Mail Applications for 2024 Presidential Election from Commonwealth of Massachusetts Starting to Arrive in Mailboxes

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SOMERVILLE- The City of Somerville is alerting all registered voters that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has begun mailing a pre-addressed, postage pre-paid Vote by Mail application to every registered voter before each statewide election. If you have already applied to vote by mail for the upcoming election, you will not receive an additional application.
Continue reading Community Notice: Vote by Mail Applications for 2024 Presidential Election from Commonwealth of Massachusetts Starting to Arrive in Mailboxes →

Somerville Workers and Small Employers Invited to Attend Employment-Based Residency Information Session

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Event hosted by Pathway for Immigrant Workers and the City of Somerville, will be held on Tuesday,
July 30, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. online via Zoom.

SOMERVILLE–
The City of Somerville and Pathway for Immigrant Workers will host a free virtual immigration
legal information session for local employers and lower-wage workers on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Continue reading Somerville Workers and Small Employers Invited to Attend Employment-Based Residency Information Session →

Somerville/Medford Remembering Marina (Centofanti) Monteiro

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Obituary:

Marina (Centofanti) Monteiro
7/19/2024

Marina (Centofanti) Monteiro, age 53, of Tewksbury passed away on Friday, July 19th, at Lahey Clinic Medical Center of Burlington. Raised and educated in Somerville, she was the daughter of Eva (DiCenso) Centofanti and the late Giuseppe Centofanti. Marina moved to Tewksbury almost 20 years ago. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marina (Centofanti) Monteiro →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Discarded Needles, Human Feces, Homeless & Drug Addicts Taking Over Dickerman Park on Craigie St Somerville

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

This photo was taken tonight at 9:15 across from Dickerman Park. No lights. Not safe to walk thru the drug addicts set up!

Hey Billy, just wanted to give you a heads up on something. There are homeless drug addicts living at Dickerman Park on Craigie Street. I called the city, they were basically appalled that I called. They actually sighed at me when I said they should not be in there especially with needles with children. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Discarded Needles, Human Feces, Homeless & Drug Addicts Taking Over Dickerman Park on Craigie St Somerville →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Current Registrar Maria Curtatone Has Been In Office There for Over 12 Years and Has NOT Accomplished a Thing

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Dear Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I am deeply concerned of what’s going on at the Southern Middlesex Registry of Deeds of Middlesex County that’s located in Cambridge MA under the current registrar Maria Curtatone. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Current Registrar Maria Curtatone Has Been In Office There for Over 12 Years and Has NOT Accomplished a Thing →

EQUAL ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (H 923)

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By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would require the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to annually report on progress made toward Title IX compliance in its recreational facilities across the state. Title IX of the federal Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex and gender discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Continue reading EQUAL ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (H 923) →

REDUCE THE SHORTAGE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS (H 4842)

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By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that supporters say would streamline the process for foreign-trained dentists to obtain a dental hygienist license in the Bay State. These dentists would have to have at least five years of experience as a dentist in their country and must have obtained a certificate of registration, certifying them as a dentist, from their country’s board of dental examiners or similar board. Continue reading REDUCE THE SHORTAGE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS (H 4842) →

PRESERVE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS FOR DISABLED SENIORS (H 4841)

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By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would restore the ability of disabled seniors to receive support from special needs pooled trusts for care and needs that are not covered by MassHealth. Sponsor Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) said she filed the legislation in response to a new MassHealth regulation that eliminated this support for seniors.
Continue reading PRESERVE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS FOR DISABLED SENIORS (H 4841) →

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